I can imagine using statistics software or websites in a collaborative unit with Math. Students could record statistics from their games in PE and then use websites like statpages.net to plot and present their information in Math. The statistics technology could also be used to analyze student data. For example, in our 9th grade across the curriculum, Good Eats, students could look at the correlation between eating healthy and performance in PE.
The pros to a personal web site and LinkedIn are that you can connect and network with students and other professionals. The sharing of ideas, procedures, and techniques can benefit everyone in the profession because it keeps educators focused and progressive while instructing and educating students at the same time. I don't really see cons, but I do see the challenge of transforming as a teacher from an exclusively activity based, hands on practice to utilizing technology more in the PE classroom. PE is an activity course that is most successfully completed with actual practice and play time on the field or court, but Physical Educators can definitely use technology to assist in analysis, visualization, and learning. The main issue, not really a con, is getting time to practice with the technology so teachers feel comfortable using it effectively in their classes.
Networking is essential in meeting new people who you can collaborate with to enhance your knowledge and creativity, but it is also advantageous to meet someone who could help you get the job you are applying for. Most employers want to hear from somebody that knows your quality of work to determine if you are the right fit for the institution and if you meet someone who can recommend you, it is an advantage for you. Networking also allows you to stay current on new technology and strategies so you can continue to grow as a professional.
I think wikis are a great way to discuss educational topics to help one another solve problems or enhance creativity. Just like all informational strategies that allow for comprehensive discussion and input, it allows people to visualize tactics that they would not have been able to on their own. The nice thing about wikis are that you are able to use one document to add information to and everyone can see the document as it is developed. From a technological perspective it is nice that the information is stored in one place unlike an group email that each participant would have to sift through to find all of the comments and information.
The biggest difference that I notice with LinkedIn versus Facebook is that LinkedIn is more professional. The main focus of LinkedIn seems to be connecting people of similar professions so they can network with one another professionally. Facebook offers this as well, but it definitely is more about connecting with your friends and sharing your lives together.
There is tremendous potential for apps on your mobile phone for education. As a PE teacher, I can see using apps on my phone quite often because I have to carry supplies with me to the field or gym. If I could download apps for grading, detailing notes on student behavior, and organizing my lesson plans I wouldn't have to carry as much in my clipboards and I would be able to keep better records more quickly.
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